The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Amman

Jordan's King Abdullah II urged US President George W. Bush on Monday to help end Israel's air blitz of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip that has killed more than 340 Palestinians, the palace said.

"Effective international efforts must be launched to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and end the suffering of the Palestinians," the king told Bush by telephone, a palace statement said.

Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, is a key US ally in the region.

The Israeli air onslaught that began on Saturday has also wounded more than 1,550 people.

The king, who has ordered food aid and medical supplies to be sent to Gaza, joined other Jordanians on Monday in donating blood for wounded Palestinians.